Windows 10: Document folder has been made read only how to change it back

Previously I stored documents in the Document Folder on the PC that is windows 10 and was able to access them edit, and resave the changed version. Some time in the fall of 2020 lets say Oct I suddenly was only able to access these documents as "Read-Only" therefore was not allowed to edit and re-save the changes. The document itself as far as it properties were concerned was not "Read-Only" but as I found out the whole folder was set to "Read-Only".


I went to the properties of the folder and reset the appropriate flag and it apply but when I then press the Ok but bring a pop-up that asked how I would like it done the folder only or folder, subfolders etc. that is the only selection actually allowed it can't be changed so press OK. This brings up the following "You will need to provide Administrator permission to change these attributes" Press continue and I get no where it just a circle and the attribute does not change. I am the administrator and the system thinks so for the following reason and that is the I am the only user and it say that the user is the administrator.


So my question is how to fix this? I doubt that it was something I did that caused this so what was in the updates from Microsoft that caused the problem. But I need a fix.

:)

 

Downloads folder is the Documents folder

Hi Chris,

Thank you for posting your query on Microsoft Community.

I suggest you to Restore to Default the folders and document settings and see if it helps.

Step 1:

Please follow below steps and check if it helps.

• Go to Download folder.
• Right click on the Download Folder and go to Properties.
• In Properties go to Location tab.
• In location Tab Click on Restore Default.

Step 2:

Please follow below steps and check if it helps.

• Go to Documents folder.
• Right click on the Document folder and go to Properties.
• In Properties go to Location tab.
• In location Tab Click on Restore Default.

After performing above steps change the settings as you required and check if it helps.

Hope these information helps, please get back to us for future support, we’ll be glad to assist you further.

Thank you.

 

Can't Change Documents Folder Out of Read-Only

My Documents folder has suddenly declared itself Read-Only (I did nothing to change permissions) and I cannot change it. I have tried the File Explorer/Documents/Properties/Security/Advanced/Change Permissions and Change Owner. Panel does nothing but re-display with change options grayed out. I have tried command prompt. All to no avail. All above was with Run as Administrator.

Frustrating, Any suggestions?

 

Can't Change Documents Folder Out of Read-Only

Hopefully the Take-Ownership step will fix the problem.

My 'Documents' folder has always been 'Read-only' but I have never had any trouble editing files and saving the changes so I think it may be a Windows 10 glitch where it is mis-reporting the status. I think Windows 10 mis-reporting has been mentioned regarding other issues as well.
Is it affecting your ability to edit and save changes? If not then at least you are not seriously affected.